Funeral Services for Chicago Transgender Activist Lois Bates

Funeral services are scheduled for 11AM today at Galting's Chapel on 10133 S. Halsted in Chicago. The wake was held Sunday, November 27 at Pillar of Love Fellowship UCC.

Bates was the transgender health manager at Chicago's Howard Brown Health Center, the largest LGBT health center in the Midwest. In addition to being a noted HIV/AIDS activist, she will be best remembered for her trans-advocacy work.

Her kidney failed and her health never fully recovered. ... Bates had been in and out of the hospital leading up to her death. However, few knew she was very ill until she passed away. Bates was rushed into emergency surgery after suffering breathing problems. Her health declined and her liver failed shortly after. She passed away while on life support in the early morning hours of Nov. 17.